Now Commenting On:

Military-family man Gardenhire happy MLB gives back

5/26/14: Alec Waters sings his rendition of "God Bless America" in front of the Target Field crowd on Memorial Day

By Rhett Bollinger
/
MLB.com |

MINNEAPOLIS -- Being born into a military family, Memorial Day has always been a special holiday for Twins manager Ron Gardenhire.

So Gardenhire was pleased to see the Twins and Major League Baseball honor those who lost their lives while serving their country.

"A lot of people have served their country and sacrificed their lives for what we're doing now and for our freedom," Gardenhire said. "My father was a part of that. I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of women and men who are serving still. So this is their day. And every day should be their day. So I'm glad we can use the baseball field to recognize that all around baseball."

The Twins and Rangers wore specially-designed caps and jerseys featuring an authentic military digital camouflage design licensed from the United States Marine Corps in honor of Memorial Day.

The Memorial Day effort is part of MLB's ongoing recognition of veterans, active military and military families. MLB has committed more than $30 million to Welcome Back Veterans since its inception in 2008.

MLB and MLB Advanced Media are donating 100 percent of its net proceeds from sales of the US-based clubs' caps and jerseys to Welcome Back Veterans as part of its contribution to the program.